At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to manage complex planning applications and support junior members.
- Company: Work with a local authority in Conwy, making a real impact in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working options and a competitive pay rate of £28-£30 per hour.
- Why this job: This role offers variety, professional growth, and the chance to shape your community's future.
- Qualifications: A degree in Town Planning or related field and RTPI membership are essential.
- Other info: This is a maternity cover position for 9-12 months, perfect for gaining valuable experience.
The predicted salary is between 58560 - 62400 £ per year.
Location: Conwy | Hybrid Working (1–2 days in office per week)
Pay Rate: £28–£30 per hour (Umbrella)
Contract: Full-Time | Local Authority
We are recruiting on behalf of a local authority in Conwy for an experienced Planning Officer to join their team on a 9–12 month maternity cover contract. This is a great opportunity to take on a varied and rewarding role, working on major and complex planning applications while also providing support and guidance to other members of the planning team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Process a wide range of complex and major planning applications
- Prepare detailed case officer and committee reports
- Provide professional pre-application planning advice to the public, developers, and elected members
- Attend monthly Planning Committee meetings and site visits
- Support and guide junior team members, monitoring team performance
About You:
- Degree (or equivalent) in Town Planning or a related discipline
- Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
- Strong working knowledge of development management processes
- Able to present confidently at committees and work effectively to deadlines
- Experience supervising or mentoring planning staff is desirable
Working Arrangements:
- Hybrid working available, with ideally 1–2 days per week in the office (can be discussed further at interview)
- Attendance at monthly Planning Committee meetings and site visits is required
If this sounds like the right opportunity for you or someone you know, we’d love to hear from you.
Planning Officer employer: Octave Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Octave Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local planning policies and recent developments in Conwy. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the area.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Planning Officers, especially those who have worked in local authorities. They can provide valuable insights into the role and may even refer you to the position, increasing your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experience that showcase your ability to handle complex planning applications and mentor junior staff. This will highlight your suitability for the role and set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to articulate your understanding of the RTPI's standards and how you apply them in practice. This will show your commitment to professional development and adherence to industry best practices, which is crucial for a Planning Officer.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in planning, particularly any roles where you've processed complex applications or prepared reports. Use keywords from the job description to align your skills with what the local authority is looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the opportunity to support the planning team. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to provide professional advice and mentor junior staff, as these are key responsibilities of the position.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Clearly state your degree in Town Planning or related discipline and your membership with the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). This will help establish your credibility and suitability for the role right from the start.
Prepare for Interviews: If you get called for an interview, be ready to discuss your experience with development management processes and how you handle deadlines. Prepare examples of how you've successfully presented at committees or guided team members in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Octave Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Planning Legislation
Brush up on the latest planning legislation and policies relevant to the local authority. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Be ready to discuss specific planning applications you have worked on in the past. Highlight your role, the challenges faced, and how you contributed to successful outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since the role involves supporting junior team members, prepare examples of how you've mentored or supervised others. This will showcase your ability to lead and guide a team effectively.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
As you'll need to present at committee meetings, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider doing mock presentations to friends or family to build your confidence.